What principle does compression utilize to better visualize circumscribed lesions?

Compression in mammography is an essential technique utilized to enhance the visualization of circumscribed lesions. It operates on the principle of bringing the lesion closer to the detector and separating overlapping tissues. This action is significant because it not only improves the spatial resolution of the image but also reduces the overall thickness of the breast. Consequently, this minimizes the chances of superimposing normal tissue over any lesion, which can obscure its appearance.

By effectively flattening the breast, compression allows for a more uniform distribution of tissues, thus facilitating a clearer view of small lesions. It is important to understand that while compression helps reduce the effects of dense breast tissue, it does not entirely eliminate overlapping tissues. Instead, it strategically arranges the tissues to enhance clarity and allow for better diagnostic accuracy.

The technique is fundamental in mammography, particularly for circumscribed lesions that may be more easily evaluated with enhanced visibility provided by the compression method.